USF Sarasota-Manatee campus to build new STEM academic facility

The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus today announced plans to build the development of a new STEM academic facility, a transformative project that will expand access to high-quality lab instruction in chemistry, biology, and physics for students across all USF campuses.

Following the expiration of the lease for lab space at Mote Marine Laboratory in May 2025, USF Sarasota-Manatee submitted a proposal to construct a lab facility on campus. With enthusiastic support from President Rhea Law and Provost Prasant Mohapatra, the proposal received unanimous approval from the USF Board of Trustees Finance Committee in late August, 2025.

The new facility will be approximately 7,000 gross square feet and will include modern labs, prep space, restrooms, utilities, site work, equipment, and furnishings. The total project cost is $6.5 million.

"This project represents a major step forward in our commitment to STEM education and student success," said Interim Regional Chancellor Brett E. Kemker. "It will eliminate the need for off-campus lab leases, reduce travel burdens for students and faculty, and support the growth of programs such as nursing and other STEM disciplines."

In Fiscal Year 2025, USF Sarasota-Manatee taught 39 sections of biology and chemistry to more than 460 students at Mote Marine Laboratory. For Fiscal Year 2026, the campus will temporarily lease space at the Roskamp Institute. Once the new facility opens, USF will no longer need to lease off-campus space for teaching labs.

Construction is expected to begin in 12-18 months, with a targeted opening in Fall 2027.